AURETU003
Service air conditioning and HVAC systems


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes required to service air conditioning systems, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, fitted to a range of vehicles and machinery. It involves preparing for the task, carrying out performance testing and correct servicing procedures, performing post-service testing, and completing workplace processes and documentation.

It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. Automotive air conditioners, including HVAC systems, include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles or mobile plant machinery.

Licensing requirements apply to this unit. Users are advised to check with relevant regulatory authority. An Australian Refrigeration Council accredited (ARCtick) Refrigerant Handling licence is required for those carrying out this work.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare to service system

1.1 Job requirements are determined from workplace instructions

1.2 Service information, manufacturer specifications, and relevant code of practice are accessed and interpreted

1.3 Servicing options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected

1.4 Hazards associated with the work are identified and risks are managed

1.5 Servicing tools and equipment are selected and checked for serviceability

2. Test operation of system and components

2.1 System is visually checked to establish extent of possible failure or damage

2.2 System performance tests are carried out according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures, and safety and environmental requirements, and without causing damage to components or system

2.3 Findings, including recommendations for required repairs or adjustments, are reported according to workplace procedures

3. Service system and components

3.1 System and components are serviced according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and relevant code of practice

3.2 Code of practice regulations regarding topping up refrigerant are interpreted and applied during service procedures

3.3 Post-service performance tests are carried out to confirm that reported service issue has been resolved and that no other problems are present

4. Complete work processes

4.1 Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations and vehicle or machinery is presented ready for use

4.2 Work area is cleaned, waste and non-recyclable materials are disposed of, and recyclable material is collected

4.3 Tools and equipment are checked and stored and any faulty electrical equipment is identified, tagged and isolated according to workplace procedures

4.4 Australian Refrigeration Council accredited (ARCtick)service decal sticker and other required workplace documentation are completed and processed according to workplace procedures

Evidence of Performance

Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standard defined in the unit’s elements, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:

service the air conditioning and HVAC systems of two different vehicles or machinery, in which the work must involve:

one air conditioning system

one heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system

complete Australian Refrigeration Council accredited (ARCtick) service decal stickers for the above jobs.


Evidence of Knowledge

Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to servicing air conditioning and HVAC systems, including procedures for:

working with refrigerants at boiling point given risk of frostbite

working with system lubricants, including carcinogenic oils

identifying flammable refrigerants

selecting and using personal protective equipment (PPE)

identifying firefighting equipment

environmental requirements, including procedures for:

preventing loss of refrigerant to the atmosphere

handling materials and refrigerant recovery equipment.

key requirements of Australian automotive code of practice: Control of refrigerant gases during manufacture, installation, servicing or de-commissioning of motor vehicle air conditioners

identification and function of major air conditioning and HVAC system components, including:

compressor

condenser

receiver-dryer

expansion valve

evaporator

blower fan

principles of operation of air conditioning and HVAC systems, including transferring heat from cabin to exterior using refrigerant gas

types of air conditioning and HVAC systems, including:

single zone and multi-zone

climate control

inspection procedures for air conditioning and HVAC systems, including:

conducting visual, aural and functional assessments for:

component damage and wear

component corrosion

vacuum and leaks

system performance testing, including:

using manifold gauges and thermometers to check system pressures and vent temperatures

checking blower fan output

checking engine fan output

checking filters

using manifold gauges and thermometers to check pressure and temperatures

service and adjustment procedures of air conditioning and HVAC systems, including:

checking and adjusting compressor drive belts

changing filters

clearing evaporator water outlet

cleaning condenser

post-service testing procedures of air conditioning and HVAC systems, including system performance testing and using thermometers to check vent temperatures

procedures for completing workplace documentation, including ARCtick service decal sticker.


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements and hold an Australian Refrigerant Council (ARC) Refrigerant Handling licence.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.

Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the air conditioning and HVAC systems that they have serviced, e.g. repair orders.

Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

The following resources must be made available:

automotive service repair workplace or simulated workplace

workplace instructions

air conditioning and HVAC system manufacturer specifications

Australian automotive code of practice: Control of refrigerant gases during manufacture, installation, servicing or de-commissioning of motor vehicle air conditioners

two different vehicles or machinery with air conditioning and HVAC systems requiring servicing

tools, equipment and materials appropriate for servicing air conditioning and HVAC systems, including:

thermometer

manifold and gauge set.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skills

Description

Learning skills to:

locate appropriate sources of information efficiently.

Reading skills to:

interpret text, symbols and diagrams relating to service information in manufacturer specifications, and workplace instructions and procedures

interpret key requirements of Australian automotive code of practice relating to servicing air conditioning and HVAC systems.

Writing skills to:

legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation, including ARCtick stickers, when reporting test findings, making repair recommendations, and recording parts and material used.

Oral communication skills to:

listen to workplace instructions and ask questions to clarify job requirements

participate in verbal exchanges to report faults, diagnostic and test findings and service repair recommendations to relevant personnel.

Numeracy skills to:

match refrigerant types and identification numbers to workplace instructions, part lists, manufacturer specifications, and code of practice requirements

interpret weight measurements, including tare and gross weights

interpret readings on digital and analogue pressure gauges

measure temperatures and pressures, and use basic mathematical operations, including addition and subtraction, to calculate deviations from manufacturer specifications.

Planning and organising skills to:

plan own work requirements and prioritise actions to achieve required outcomes and ensure tasks are completed within workplace timeframes.

Technology skills to:

use workplace technology and tools, such as refrigerant vacuum recovery equipment and manifold gauges.


Range Statement

This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Code of practice must include:

Australian automotive code of practice: Control of refrigerant gases during manufacture, installation, servicing or de-commissioning of motor vehicle air conditioners.

Safety and environmental requirements must include:

work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including procedures for:

working with refrigerants at boiling point given risk of frostbite

working with system lubricants, including carcinogenic oils

identifying flammable refrigerants

selecting and using personal protective equipment (PPE)

identifying firefighting equipment

environmental requirements, including procedures for:

preventing loss of refrigerant to the atmosphere

handling materials and refrigerant recovery equipment.

Post-service performance tests must include:

temperature checks

checking for refrigerant leaks.

Australian Refrigeration Council accredited (ARCtick) service decal sticker information must include:

name of service organisation

ARCtick business authority number

quantity of refrigerant added

refrigerant and oil type

service date

technician name and licence number.


Sectors

Technical - Air Conditioning and HVAC


Competency Field

Electrical